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5 Examples of Revival in the Bible – Viral Believer
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5 Examples of Revival in the Bible

Introduction

Revival is a term that is often used in Christian circles to describe a movement of God’s Spirit that brings renewal and transformation to individuals, communities, and nations.

The Bible is full of examples of revival, where God’s people turned to Him with all their hearts and experienced His grace and power in amazing ways.

From the revival under King Hezekiah to the revival at Pentecost, from the revival under King Josiah to the revival in Nineveh, and from the revival under Ezra and Nehemiah to the revival in the early Church, there are many lessons and insights we can glean from these powerful movements of God’s Spirit.

In this blog post, we will explore five examples of revival in the Bible and what we can learn from them. We will look at the key features and characteristics of each revival, as well as the principles and practices that led to their success.

We will also draw practical applications and implications for our lives today as we seek to experience revival in our own hearts and communities.

Whether you are struggling with sin, facing challenges in your relationships or work, or seeking a deeper experience of God’s love and power, this post will offer you insights and inspiration to help you on your journey toward revival.

At its core, revival is about restoring our relationship with God and others and living out our faith with passion and purpose. It is about turning away from sin and turning to God in faith, hope, and love. It is about seeking God’s will and ways for our lives and obeying His commands with joy and gratitude.

As we delve into the examples of revival in the Bible, may we be encouraged and inspired to seek God with all our hearts and to trust in His mercy and grace to revive and renew us in ways that exceed our expectations and imagination.

revival in the Bible

Example 1: King Hezekiah’s Revival (2 Chronicles 29-31)

King Hezekiah was one of the few righteous kings of Judah who sought to restore worship in the Temple and reform the nation. Here’s what we can learn from his revival:

  • Hezekiah started by cleansing the Temple of all its defilement and restoring the priests and Levites to their proper duties (2 Chronicles 29:3-19). This shows that revival often starts with a spiritual cleansing of our hearts and minds as we turn away from sin and recommit ourselves to God’s service.
  • Hezekiah invited all the people of Judah and Israel to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, which had not been celebrated in many years (2 Chronicles 30:1-9). This shows that revival involves a return to the foundational truths and practices of our faith as we rediscover the joy and power of worshipping God in unity and love.
  • Hezekiah prayed for God’s mercy and forgiveness for the sins of the people, and God answered his prayer by healing the nation and providing for their needs (2 Chronicles 30:18-20; 31:20-21). This shows that revival is ultimately a work of God’s grace and mercy, as He responds to our repentance and faith with His abundant blessings and favor.
  • Hezekiah’s revival led to a time of great prosperity and joy for the people of Judah, who praised God for His goodness and mercy (2 Chronicles 31:21). This shows that revival brings not only spiritual renewal but also material and social blessings, as we live out the values and principles of God’s kingdom in our daily lives.

Example 2: The Revival at Pentecost (Acts 2)

The day of Pentecost marked the birth of the Church, as the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples and they began to preach the Gospel to the people. Here’s what we can learn from this revival:

  • The Holy Spirit is the source of revival, as He empowers and guides God’s people to proclaim the truth and demonstrate His power (Acts 2:1-4). This shows that revival is not a human effort but a divine intervention, as God’s Spirit works through us to accomplish His purposes and bring about His kingdom.
  • The message of the Gospel is central to revival, as it brings conviction and salvation to those who hear it (Acts 2:14-41). This shows that revival is ultimately about the salvation of souls as we share the good news of Jesus Christ with those who are lost and in need of His grace and love.
  • Revival leads to the growth and unity of the Church, as believers come together to worship, learn, and serve (Acts 2:42-47). This shows that revival is not just a personal experience but a communal one, as we encourage and support one another in our faith and mission.
  • The Holy Spirit continues to work in and through the Church, today, bringing revival and renewal to those who seek Him (Acts 2:38-39). This shows that revival is not a one-time event but an ongoing process as we walk in the Spirit and live out our faith with passion and purpose.

Example 3: The Revival under King Josiah (2 Chronicles 34-35)

King Josiah was another righteous king of Judah, who sought to restore worship in the Temple and reform the nation. Here’s what we can learn from his revival:

  • Josiah started by repairing and cleansing the Temple, and then sent out workers to repair the rest of the city (2 Chronicles 34:8-13). This shows that revival often involves a practical restoration of our physical and social environments, as we address the needs and injustices of our communities with compassion and creativity.
  • Josiah discovered the Book of the Law in the Temple and read it to the people, who were convicted of their sins and pledged to follow God’s commands (2 Chronicles 34:14-33). This shows that revival requires a renewed focus on God’s Word and a deepening of our knowledge and understanding of His truth and will.
  • Josiah led the people in celebrating the Passover, which had not been celebrated in many years, and encouraged them to worship and serve God with all their hearts (2 Chronicles 35:1-19). This shows that revival involves a rekindling of our passion and devotion for God, as we rediscover the joy and meaning of living for Him.
  • Josiah’s revival led to a time of great national repentance and revival, as the people turned away from their idols and followed God (2 Chronicles 34:31-33). This shows that revival is not just a personal or individual experience, but a corporate and national one, as we seek God’s will and ways for our society and culture.

Example 4: The Revival in Nineveh (Jonah 3)

The city of Nineveh was a great city of the ancient world, but it was also a wicked city, deserving of judgment from God. However, when the prophet Jonah preached to the people of Nineveh, they repented and turned to God, and God showed them mercy. Here’s what we can learn from this revival:

  • God’s mercy and grace are available to all, even to those who are far from Him and deserving of judgment (Jonah 3:4-5). This shows that revival is not just for the righteous, but also for the wicked, as God desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
  • Repentance is key to revival, as it involves turning away from sin and turning to God in faith (Jonah 3:6-9). This shows that revival is not just about feeling sorry for our sins, but also about changing our hearts and minds, and surrendering to God’s will and way for our lives.
  • God responds to repentance with compassion and forgiveness, as He desires all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (Jonah 3:10). This shows that revival is not just a human effort, but a divine gift, as God’s mercy and love transform us and renew our lives.

Example 5: The Revival under Ezra and Nehemiah (Ezra 7-10; Nehemiah 8-13)

Ezra and Nehemiah were leaders of the Jewish people who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple and the city walls. They also led a revival of the people, as they taught the Law and encouraged obedience to God. Here’s what we can learn from their revival:

  • The Word of God is essential to revival, as it brings conviction and guidance to those who hear it (Nehemiah 8:1-8). This shows that revival is not just about emotional experiences or social activities, but also about the truth and authority of God’s Word, which transforms our hearts and minds and directs our paths.
  • Confession and repentance are necessary for revival, as they involve acknowledging and turning away from sin (Ezra 9:1-15). This shows that revival is not just about personal piety or moral perfection, but also about humility and brokenness before God, as we confess our sins and seek His forgiveness and cleansing.
  • Obedience to God’s commands is the fruit of revival, as it involves putting faith into action and living a holy and righteous life (Nehemiah 10:28-39). This shows that revival is not just about individual transformation, but also about social and cultural transformation, as we live out our faith in our families, workplaces, and communities.
  • Revival can bring about social and economic change, as it leads to the restoration of justice, mercy, and generosity among God’s people (Nehemiah 13:10-31). This shows that revival is not just a spiritual experience, but also a practical and tangible one, as we address the needs and concerns of our world with compassion and love.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the five examples of revival in the Bible that we have explored in this post demonstrate the power and beauty of God’s grace and mercy. They show us that no matter how far we have strayed from God or how deep we have fallen into sin,

God is always ready and willing to forgive, heal, and restore us when we turn to Him with humility and faith. They also show us that revival is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of growth and transformation, as we seek to live out our faith with authenticity and integrity.

As Christians, we are called to be agents of revival in our own spheres of influence, whether it be in our families, communities, or workplaces.

We are called to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him, to pray for those who are in need of His grace and healing, and to live out our faith with love and compassion towards all.

We are also called to humble ourselves before God, to confess our sins and seek His forgiveness and cleansing, and to obey His commands with joy and gratitude.

May this post inspire and encourage you to seek God with all your heart, and to trust in His love and power to revive and renew you in ways that exceed your expectations and imagination.

May you experience the fullness of His grace and peace, and may you be a witness of His love and truth to all those around you. As the apostle Paul writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NKJV).

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.